A dentist with the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Dr Ebikwo Ayegba, on Thursday advised Nigerians to have their teeth checked every six months to maintain their health.

Ayegba gave the advice in Abuja on the sidelines of the free dental care organised by Vantage Point Academy in partnership with Healing Hands International, an NGO.

He said most Nigerians are often behaving in a nonchalant way in matters regarding their oral health.

“It is a continuous check up by dentists and does not take so much time to check.

“It is not when you have pains in the teeth but rather it is a way of preventing any form of tooth disease,” he said.

The dentist also advised parents to give their children cooked food to school rather than stuffing them with sweets or snacks.

Ayegba said to prevent cavities and maintain good oral health, one’s diet represents an important factor.

“Bacteria in the mouth convert sugars and carbohydrates from the foods you eat to acids, and it is the acids that begin to attack the enamel on teeth, starting the decay process.

“The more often you eat sweets and snacks, the more frequently you are exposing your teeth to the cycle of decay,’’ he said.

The Proprietress of the Vantage Point Academy, Mrs Marie David, said the essence of the free dental care to the community was for parents and everyone to be reminded on the importance of their children’s oral health.

She said the outreach was a way to give back to the community, saying that government cannot do everything in the country.

The proprietress also advised well-meaning Nigerians to endeavour to support their community’s developmental projects in education, welfare, health and others.